12 unmissable Sydney moments this summer

Sydney is famous for its big-ticket attractions - like the new Sydney Modern - but while you're here this summer, there are many more fun things to do.

See world-class opera under the stars at Carmen on Cockatoo Island, on until December 18. Set in the industrial surrounds of historic Cockatoo Island, this edgy production of an opera classic has been created by celebrated director Liesel Badorrek, with sets and costumes by Opera Australia's Mark Thompson. opera.org.au

Rethink your view on museums with two new exhibitions at Powerhouse Ultimo. Unpopular draws on never-before-seen archives to take audiences behind the scenes of the alternative music movement of the 1990s. Zampatti Powerhouse is the first retrospective of Carla Zampatti (1938-2021), and presents the life and work of the inimitable and beloved Italian-born designer, an Australian fashion icon. It encompasses 100 designs from more than 50 lenders and five decades of material. maas.museum/powerhouse-museum/

Sean's restaurant in North Bondi feels like stepping into your friend's house, with its intimate dining spaces and friendly staff. The team at Sean's serves up a three-course menu, with a choice of three dishes in each course, for $120 a head. This includes an appetiser and house-baked breads. The menu changes each day and includes fresh seafood, poultry and livestock from ethical farmers. seansbondi.com

Jump on a stand-up paddleboard or a kayak and prepare for one of the best views of the harbour. Paddle at your own pace and learn from the experienced guides at Rose Bay Aquatic Hire in the easterm suburbs. rosebayaquatichire.com

Explore the harbour foreshore of Barangaroo, an area on the edge of the CBD named after First Nations woman Barangaroo, who is remembered through the generations as a defender of her culture and tradition. Discover public art, meander along Wulugul Walk, do some shopping and when you're hungry there are countless options. Two of the newest places to eat are at Crown Sydney - head to Silks for fine dining and authentic Cantonese; or for contemporary Japanese fusion visit Nobu. barangaroo.com

This is the first time WorldPride has been held in the southern hemisphere, and there's hundreds of activities from February 17 to March 5 to keep you entertained. The festival encompasses the annual Mardi Gras parade down Oxford Street. sydneyworldpride.com

Want to know where the locals eat, drink and play? Join Local Sauce Tours and you'll find out. These off-the-beaten-track small-group tours are filled with fun. Go on a bar crawl, explore Chinatown, see Newtown's street art, join the ice cream tour (yes, this exists), a refugee chef banquet dinner, or see Surry Hills by night. localsaucetours.com.au

Ester offers up a trendy and eclectic menu in the heart of inner-city Chippendale. Try the potato bread with trout roe, dashi and kefir cream; or the pickled cucumbers with macadamia and braised kombu. There's also tasty Moreton Bay bug and ribeye steak. ester-restaurant.com.au

Award-winning chef Josh Niland creates waves with his sustainable fin-to-gill practices that will see you eat almost every part of the fish. You can eat-in at his restaurants Saint Peter (in Paddington) and Charcoal Fish (in Rose Bay), or try Fish Butchery (in Paddington and Waterloo) for fresh seafood, easy takeaway and meal kits. While you're at Fish Butchery, try the cheeseburger (made with yellowfin tuna patties). Sweet-tooths should grab an icecream; yes it's made with Murray cod fat, but it's absolutely delightful. fishbutchery.com.au

Head to the Museum of Contemporary Art for a major exhibition by internationally renowned artist Do Ho Suh (until February 28) and Primavera 2022: Young Australian Artists (until February 12). Grab a bite to eat at MCA Cafe and check out the million-dollar views over Sydney Harbour. Downstairs is Graze MCA, which has a relaxed vibe for lunch and more stunning views across Circular Quay to the Opera House. mca.com.au

You can't go to Sydney and not take a spin on the world-famous harbour. Book a cruise (we took one with Lifestyle Charters) or simply jump on board a ferry for a trip to Manly, Taronga Zoo, historic Balmain or Parramatta. lifestylecharters.com.au

Charlie Parker's at 380 Oxford Street, Paddington is a welcoming neighbourhood hideaway, with innovative drinks and cocktails, and a seasonal bar snacks menu. Check out the Jazz Room on a Wednesday night. merivale.com

Nadine Morton was a guest of Destination NSW. Visit sydney.com for more great things to do this summer